With the spooky season fast approaching, it’s time to get planning trips to places infamous for horror- and haunted-related associations. If you’re willing to take things one step further and truly test the limits of your bravery, staying in a haunted Airbnb is a surefire way to have a chilling experience. From a creepy old manor in Minnesota to a lighthouse in England, here are the most haunted Airbnbs you can rent this fall – just don’t blame us if something goes bump in the night.
We hope you love the haunted Airbnbs we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
This impressive Victorian home was once the home of Canadian lumber magnate Charles Beck, who in addition to effectively creating the town of Penetanguishene, also opened the first box factory in Toronto. Beck’s wife died leaving him with nine children, the oldest of whom, Mary, did most of the child-rearing. When Beck died, he only left poor Mary a dollar, and guests and residents of these apartments have reported seeing a tall man in a suit and an angry woman in a blouse standing in the hallways. Perhaps they will join you for the weekend when you rent Brenda’s meticulously furnished two-bedroom apartment, complete with period pieces, ornate rugs, and a warning about wandering spirits.
If you’re staying in a remote castle somewhere in northern Germany, owned by a Danish Countess and lit mostly by candlelight, you’d be pretty disappointed if the place wasn’t haunted. The foundations of this manor date back nearly 1,200 years, and you’ll be staying in a niche apartment within the manor’s walls. Christina — your host — lives in the manor as well, and will gleefully explain how the house is believed to be haunted by the Slavic gods that the people of the area used to worship. The common areas also include vast libraries filled with centuries-old books and large green lawns filled with sheep.
Photographed from the right angle, this 1883 stone home looks like it could be a poster for a haunted house anywhere. So it reasons the ghost of Rosalia Finh, who died here as a child of typhoid fever, would be hanging around the hallways over a century after she passed away. Sean, who runs the place, claims to have found an old hair beret on the ground when he first moved in, and got an intense vision of a young girl in a white dress when he picked it up. Other guests have reported feeling a strange energy when standing outside the closet in Rosalia’s bedroom. Perhaps the best authority on the home’s spirits, however, is Scorch, Sean’s 9-year-old Doberman and head of security who may seem to be barking at nothing, but may just see a vision that you don’t.
At this Airbnb in Talliston, you’ll have a private room in a house that just radiates ominous vibes. The home itself was featured on the documentary Britain’s Most Extraordinary Homes and we can see why. The master bedroom you’ll be staying in recreates that of an Edwardian child, with children’s toys and books lying around, and it’s the stuff of nightmares. Dark, imposing, and close quarters, staying here will require nerves of steel. And that’s not to mention the unexplained smells and sounds coming from the walls, as well as the ocean sounds coming from just outside the bedroom window.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get haunted in this third-floor hideout in the heart of the Garden District. This spacious bedroom features a queen-size bed, private bathroom, mini-fridge, cable TV, and a private balcony with sweeping views of New Orleans. The balcony is shaded by a stately live oak tree, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine in the morning or evening.
The bedroom is located in the Parks-Bowman Mansion, a historic landmark that has been voted among the “Top Ten Haunted Airbnb Locations” by Buzzfeed. The mansion is said to be haunted by the ghosts of its former owners, who died in mysterious circumstances. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable New Orleans experience, the Haunted Bedroom is the perfect place for you.
St Catherine’s Lighthouse Cottage is a haunted — though charming — five-bedroom cottage located in Niton, on the Isle of Wight. The cottage is situated on the site of the former lighthouse keepers’ cottages, and offers stunning views of the English Channel — and because it’s a former lighthouse, you know there are some ole’ sea spirits hanging around. The cottage is fully equipped and features an entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, double bedroom, twin bedroom, and single bedroom. There is also a private courtyard and a shared open grassed area. St Catherine’s Lighthouse is just a short drive from the popular coastal resort of Ventnor, and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Isle of Wight.
Lilburn Mansion is a beautiful 160-year-old castle home in Ellicott City, Maryland. The imposing 7,000-square-foot building has twenty rooms, each graced with twelve-foot ceilings, which makes this a superb rental if you’ve got a team of ghost hunters. Beyond its architectural splendor, Lilburn Mansion has garnered a reputation for its paranormal activity. Tales of ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena have been woven into the mansion’s history. Accounts from town residents state that sounds of a small child crying have been heard in an upstairs bedroom, a young girl in a chiffon dress was seen playing in several rooms of the mansion, and often heavy footsteps wake guests on the tower stairs. Historical records state there was a deadly fire, and a previous resident sadly lost three children while living there. For those who dare, there are four bedrooms, a library, a ballroom, a basement (no thank you), a swimming pool, and lots of outdoor space.
Twelve guests, four bedrooms Price: $750 per night
Situated in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is a farmhouse that bears the marks of time and conflict. This Airbnb property offers guests an opportunity to reside in a dwelling that served as a witness to one of the nation’s defining events. Constructed before the Civil War, the home was used as a field hospital immediately after the Battle of Gettysburg. The farmhouse is one of the top one percent of homes on Airbnb and has a long list of excellent reviews, although some of the previous guests claimed to have had some supernatural experiences during their stay. Richard from Woodbridge, Virginia, said they heard banging on the walls, and something tried to open the door to the bedroom, while Lupe from New Jersey claims to have heard a “strange laugh.”
This Airbnb has had many lives. Situated in Victor, Colorado, The Black Monarch was originally constructed in the late 19th century and underwent a significant rebuild following a fire in 1899. Over the years, it’s been used as a saloon, a casino, and a brothel. The property owners have preserved many of the building’s original elements, such as the tin roof and huge bay windows. Local legends suggest the building is haunted by the ghost of a miner who perished in a gunfight. Previous Airbnb guests say that Victor’s “ghost town” vibe definitely adds to this Airbnb’s spookiness.
Sixteen+ guest, seven bedrooms Price: $1,250 per night
This Airbnb room is in the Queen Anne Hotel. A San Francisco landmark and a beautifully preserved Victorian mansion, it was originally constructed in the late 19th century during the city’s post-Gold Rush building boom. The hotel is in the prestigious Pacific Heights neighborhood, which places it amidst other grand Victorian residences. There are numerous tales of ghostly encounters shared by guests and staff of the Queen Anne; however, reports claim the spirit is friendly and quite helpful. You might return to your room to find your suitcase unpacked, and if you have trouble sleeping, don’t fret. Previous guests have heard pleasant singing while trying to nod off.
Laura’s Cottage is a historic Airbnb situated in the heart of Savannah’s renowned Landmark District. Constructed in 1799, its architectural style is characteristic of the era, featuring exposed pine beams, antique furnishings, and a charming Juliet balcony. The cottage is within a secluded, urban woodland, creating a peaceful oasis amidst the city. Unsurprisingly, it’s said a girl called Laura haunts the residence and gardens. Some guests have reported paranormal occurrences like the essence of flowers, unexplained noises, and temperature fluctuations. While Laura’s Cottage undoubtedly possesses an air of mystery, previous guests say it has a tranquil, welcoming ambiance. Its location also provides easy access to Savannah’s many attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.
If you’re looking for something that’s more theatre for family-friendly fun, this Airbnb has been meticulously transformed into a homage to Disney’s iconic Haunted Mansion attraction. The property features themed rooms, each with its unique character inspired by different Haunted Mansion elements. Expect illusions, scary noises, and flickering lights, but you will sleep sound knowing that the owner can flick a switch and turn them off on request.
This haunted apartment is housed within a building believed to be over 600 years old. It’s situated in the heart of York, said to be one of the most haunted cities in the UK, and has views over the iconic landmark, York Minster. The apartment’s age, decor, location in a place steeped in history, and free-to-use ghost-hunting equipment have led to speculation about the possibility of paranormal inhabitants. Guests have reported unexplained noises, eerie sensations, and other unusual occurrences. Airbnb guest Andrew says his daughter swore she heard a ghost in the middle of the night, while another comical reviewer said that the ghost ate all the complimentary chocolate biscuits.
